Meditation

I asked the question one time in a class I was teaching, "how many of you meditate?"
The replies were varied and spurred me into saying "we meditate more often than we realize. We think, therefore we meditate!"
Merely thinking about something in a concentrated fashion is considered meditation. Let's use an example of "sleep".
Now, granted, if there are sleep issues, one should visit a medical professional in case something physical is going on.
Otherwise, a simple and effective way to a good nights' sleep is to use this technique:
Quiet the mind and count slowly from 10 back to 1. Tell yourself to close your eyes and let go of all else but the gentle sounds of your own breathing.
Repeat these words around 10 times; "I am calm, confident and optimistic."
(It is possible that you will fall asleep before you get to the tenth time, but if you do not, just keep repeating.
Either an image or a gentle relaxed feeling will overcome you and you will be asleep.
This technique works wonders in case sleep is interrupted in the middle of the night as well.
If by chance, you are still awake, there is good news. You have instructed your mind to create confidence, optimism and enhanced your life through self hypnosis.
Also, eat enough carbs during the day so that your brain will produce enough seratonin to relax you before and during sleep.
Have a cup of Tension Tamer or Sleepytime tea by Celestial Seasonings a half hour before sleep at night and if awakened from sleep in the wee hours of the morning.
Lay off the caffeine in regular tea after 1pm in the afternoon.
You are well on your way to a good nights'sleep tonight!!